Alzheimer’s Reference Library

Author

Title

Synopsis

Comer, Jim

When Roles Reverse, A Guide to Parenting Your Parents. c2006.

When Roles Reverse details Comer's experiences after his parents suffered major illnesses. This book merges Comer's story with practical advice to create a guide for anyone faced with caring for aging parents. When Roles Reverse helps the reader make sound decisions regarding Medicaid, Medicare, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, hospice, and much more, and it provides a state-by-state resource list.

Memory Bridge

There is a Bridge: Documentary. c2007.

A ground-breaking documentary that takes a radically different perspective on Alzheimer’s -- one of love and hope not a living death!

PBS

The Brain Fitness Program. C2007.

This based on the concepts of neuroplasticity - the ability of the brain to change and adapt and even rewire itself. The brain remains highly malleable or "plastic" throughout life and by presenting the brain with the proper stimuli, scientists can drive beneficial physical and functional change. This will help you understand how the brain works and how you can keep your brain fit.

Lionsgate

Away From Her. c2007.

Married for almost 50 years, Grant and Fiona appear to have an unwavering commitment to each other. This serenity is broken by Fiona's increasingly evident memory loss. For a while, the couple is able to casually dismiss these unwelcome changes. But when neither Fiona nor her husband can deny any longer that she is being consumed by her disease, the couple is forced to wrenchingly redefine the limits of their love and loyalty - and face the complex, inevitable transition from lovers to strangers.

Mannes, Elena

The Music Instinct: Science and Song. c2009.

"The Music Instinct" provides a ground-breaking exploration into how and why the human organism is moved by the undeniable effect of music, and the deep connection between music and our bodies and brains. The program ollows visionary researchers and accomplished musicians to the crossroads of science and culture in search of answers to music's deep mysteries.

Panthers, Gray

Aging Every Generation's concern: A Guide for Elders and Their Caregivers. C2002.

This book is to assist families in the very complicated task of managing the care for a loved one.

Lexington/Bluegrass Assoc.

Best Friends.

An essential guide on how you can reach higher levels of caregiver satisfaction and effectiveness from Virginia Bell's book "The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care."

A playbook that talks about three stages of AD; early, middle, and late stage written by the retired AR Razorback coach and Athletic Director.

Sheehy, Gail

Passages in Care Giving: Turning Chaos Into Confidence.

This book identifies eight crucial stages of care giving and offers insight for successfully navigating each one.. It examines the arc of care giving from the first signs of trouble and points out you don't have to be alone with this process.

Petersen, Barry

Jan's Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer's.

Acclaimed CBS New Correspondent Barry Petersen writes about hearing the unimaginable, what it meant, what it still means, what he did - and didn't do - and how this beautiful love story needs to be read by the thousands of families who have already heard that same devastating dignosis... EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER"S DISEASE.

Simms, Ami

Alzheimer's Forgetting Piece by Piece. c2007.

"Alzheimer's Forgetting Piece by Piece" is a traveling quilt exhibit about Alzheimer’s nationally through 2010 to raise awareness. The book describes 52 quilts of heartbreak and hope through the words of the artists who made them.

Mason, Martha

Breath: A Lifetime in the Rhythm of an Lung.

An inspiring, irresistible memoir from one of the most remarkable women you'll ever meet a joyful, generous, and spirited life lived from within an iron lung.

Cummings, Tarn

A Guide to Understanding Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. c2008.

A road map to working with the memory-challenged as well as information for those who care for and work with them.

Dale, Nell

French Fries, Ice Cream & Cucumber Sandwiches: A Poetic Memoir of a Journey with Alzheimer’s c2010.

The author expresses her feelings as a care giver to her husband with Alzheimer's with poetry as her therapy.

Mace, M.A.. Nancy L.

The 36-Hour Day. 1999.

A family guide to caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease, related dementing illnesses, and memory loss in later life.

Powell, Ed.D., Lenore S.

Alzheimer’s Disease-A Guide for Families and Caregivers. c2002.

A compassionate and comprehensive guide for the families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.

Kingsbury, Karen

Remember. 2003.

The nightmare of September 11th forever changes the lives of the characters in this book causing them to remember what is important in life.

Mace, Nancy L.

The 36 - Hour Day; A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later life.

This book has been the trusted "bible" for families affected by dementia disorders. This guide provides all the practical and specific advise you need to make care easier, improve quality of life, and lift the whole family's spirit.

Kuhn, Daniel

Alzheimer's Early Stages; First Steps for Family, Friends, and Caregivers.

This book is full of information on the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Relatives and friends will find this helpful in learning about the disease and how they can help.

Kuster, Ann McLane

The Last Dance : Facing Alzheimer’s With Love & Laughter. c2004.

A guide and memoir for anyone who is caring for a family member with Alzheimer's with many personal accounts.

Peterson, Ronald, MD., Ph.D (Editor)

Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease. c2002.

A study of practical answers on memory loss, aging, research, treatment and care giving with a quick guide for daily caregiving.

Davis, Robert

My Jounery into Alzheimer's Disease.

Robert Davis, a pastor, gives helpful insight's on caring for Alzheimer's.

Innovative Caregiving

Sharing Favorite Things. c2000.

Discussion of pleasant memories of growing up, including hometowns and parents includes a visit with a one year old child and a lively dog.

Innovative Caregiving

Gonna Do A Little Music. c2000.

While playing the guitar and auto harp, Marianne engages the viewer as she sings familiar songs and discusses memories such as music lessons, family gatherings, and childhood friends.

FitzRay, B.J.

Alzheimer's Activities; Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. C2001.

Hundreds of activities for men and women with Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders.

Coste Joanne Koenig

Learning to Speak Alzheimer's; A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease. c2003.

Learning to speak Alzheimer's; a ground breaking approach for everyone dealing with the disease.

Innovative Caregiving Resources

Remembering When... C2000.

Songs and Memories of "school days" and routines such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Includes memories of city and country life as well as a brief recollection of the Roaring Twenties.

A multilayered analysis of Alzheimer's and its social, medical, and spiritual implications. This is a detailed explanation of its causes and effects and the search for a cure.

Beerman, Susan

The Eldercare 911; Question and Answer Book. c2005.

This book includes words of hope and comfort, the special role of women, men as care givers, the rules of intervention. It also includes saying "NO" to guilt-trippers and time abusers. Teaches you how to live with Alzheimer's and how to break away from burnout.

Dowling, James R.

Keeping Busy…....A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia.

Describes a variety of activities designed to bring meaning and enjoyment to the lives of persons with dementia. The largest section of the book deals with communication and includes word games that help people make the most of their remaining verbal skills.

Brackey, Jolene

Creating Moments of Joy. c2003.

A book full of practical solutions and insights to help navigate through the Alzheimer's journey.

Shankle, William Rodman, M.S.M.D.

Preventing Alzheimer's; Ways to Help Prevent, Delay, Detect, and Even Halt Alzheimer's Disease and Other Forms of Memory Loss. c2004.

Ways to help prevent, detect, diagnose, treat, and even halt Alzheimer's disease and other causes of memory loss.

Strauss, Claudia J.

Talking to Alzheimer's; Simple Ways to Connect When You Visit With a Family. c2001.

This is very practical and a kind of discussion that is easy to read and understand. It is about hope. It addresses head on both the practical and emotional difficulties expereinced by loved ones and the effort it takes to respond lovingly and constructively as possible when visiting.

Henderson, Cary Smith

Partial View; An Alzheimer’s Journal.

"Partial View" is a sensitively crafted portrayal of what it is like to have Alzheimer's disease. The words and photographs capture the full emotional impact of the disease and give insight into the feelings of both patient and caregiver.

Gwyther, Lisa P.

You are One of Us; Successful Clergy/Church Connections to Alzheimer's Families.

This booklet attempts to link caring church ministries to Alzheimer's families. The person with Alzheimer's and his/her family are the experts on the disease and its effects. Clergy and church friends are the experts on ministry.

Bell, Virginia

A Dignified Life: the Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care; A Guide for Family Caregivers. c2002.

Illustrated through the heartfelt stories of others, this truly remarkable book shows you how the Best Friends method is bringing dignity to the lives of both those who have Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them.

DeBaggio, Thomas

Losing My Mind; An Intimate Look at Life With Alzheimer’s. c2002.

An autobiography, a medical history, and a book of meditations. This is a testament to the splendor of memory and a triumphant celebration of the human spirit.

Snowdon, David

Aging with Grace; What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives. c2001.

This is the inspiring human story of remarkable nuns - ranging in age - whose dedication to serving others may help all of us live longer and healthier lives. A prescription for hope, "Aging with Grace" shows that old age doesn't have to mean an inevitable slide into illness and disability; rather it can be a time of promise and productivity, intellectual and spiritual vigor - a time of true grace.

Shriver, Maria

What's Happening to Grandpa?. c2004.

What's Happening to Grandpa is a compassionate story that helps parents demystify Alzheimer's disease. This deeply meaningful book empowers children and dispels their fear by answering tough questions.

Ballard, Edna

Pressure Points; Alzheimer’s and Anger. c2000.

Anecdotes and stories about how families, professionals and persons with Alzheimer's manage feelings of anger, ranging from uncomfortable to incapacitation, often adversely affecting reason and well-being.

Genova, Lisa

Still Alice; A Novel. c2007.

The insightful and tragic story of Alice, who becomes disoriented and forgetful. It tells the tale of her descent into early Alzheimer's from Alice's viewpoint, helping the reader gain true empathy and understanding of this cognitive neuroscience, Alzheimer's disease and the changes in the human condition.

Hargrave, Terry D.

Loving Your Parents When they Can No Longer Love You. c2005.

Insights on caring for any aging parent with timely guidance for the challenges and encouragement for the journey.

Winakur, Jerald

Memory Lessons: A Story. c2009.

A beautifically written account by a physician son describing his father's decline from Alzheimer's Memory Lessons is a wise and lasting treatise about sickness and health, life and death, and the redeeming power of love.

Smith, Patricia B.

Alzheimer’s For Dummies. c2004.

A compassionate guide presents the latest information on the symptons, diagnosis, stages of the illness, and treatments with Tips in each chapter.

Comer, Jim

Parenting Your Parents; What to Do when Your Turn. c2005.

When Roles Reverse details Comer's experiences after his parents suffered major illnesses. This book merges Comer's story with practical advice to create a guide for anyone faced with caring for aging parents. When Roles Reverse helps the reader make sound decisions regarding Medicaid, Medicare, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, hospice, and much more, and it provides a state-by-state resource list.

Castleman, Michael

There's Still a Person in There: The Complete Guide to Treating and Coping with Alzheimer's.

A guide that gives the latest thinking in Alzheimer's diagnosis; management and care for professional's and families.

Leahy, William

Caregiving at Home. c2005.

In this book you will learn: How to adapt a home for safe caregiving; Important skills for self-care and stress management; tools for holding family meetings, coordinating care, and managing medication; Tips for communicating with a physician, and many more....

Kingsolver, Barbara

Animal Dreams. 1990.

How one woman finds her way back from the edge of despair..."Animal Dreams" leaves you filled with wonder and hope.

McGowin, Diana

Living in the Labyrinth; A Personal Journey Through the Maze of Alzheimer's. C1993.

This is the first account written by an Alzheimer's sufferer. Her message is one of hope. With extraordinary eloquence and compassion, Ms. McGowin offers "fellow travelers" what they need most - a sense of direction rather than destination.

Barg, Gary

The Fearless Caregiver: How to Get the Best Care for Your Loved One and Still Have a Life of Your Own. c2003.

A step-by-step guide to becoming the ultimate caregiver- fearless and factual - for your loved one.

Bell, Virginia

The Best Friends Staff; Building a Culture of Care in Alzheimer's Programs. c2001.

Discover valuable tools for traning staff so they can achieve better outcomes and enjoy more rewarding experiences. These will include creative ideas for change; learning exercises and games; tips for making long lasting improvements; proven advice on staff and retention; and hundreds of case studies illustrating successful programs.

Burdick, Lydia

Happy New Year to You; A Read-Aloud Book for Memory - Challenged Adults. C2006.

A read-aloud "picture book" with simple sentences that capture the season, holidays, and special times of the year.

Memory Lane

Family. c2005.

This video/and or DVD will stimulate and entertain, create opportunities for interaction, and may ease difficulties of caregiving.

Fish, Sharon

Alzheimer’s: Caring For Your Loved One; Caring For Yourself.

Practical advise on how to cope with the demands of caregiving, and encouragement for handling their own tangled emotions and fears.

Novartis

Identify Alzheimer’s Disease: What Everyone Should Know. c2004.

The warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. The importance of early diagnosis; available treatments; tips for family members dealing with the disease.

ADEAR Center

Caring For A Person With Alzheimer's disease: Your Easy-to-use Guide From the National Institute of Aging. c2009.

An easy to use guide for caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease

Carper, Jean

100 simple things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s And Age Related Memory Loss.

Provides exciting new answers from the frontiers of brain research to help keep you and your family free of this heartbreaking disease.

Pitts, Leonard

Before I Forget. c2009.

An in-depth anatomy of black fatherhood and multigenerational road story that spans rural Mississippi in the 40's, swinging South Central L.A. in the '50's, the soul music scene of the '70's, right up to present-day Baltimore and Las Vegas.

Johnson, Deane

I'll Be Seeing You: A Wife's Journey With her Husband's Alzheimer's. 2012.

This book is written for anyone affected by the unrelenting, take-no-prisoners disease known as Alzheimer's dementia. This book is a true account of everyday life, full of real emotions, sometimes humorous situations, and gut wrenching reality. This is Deane's journal of the candid account of her personal journey with her husband's disease.

Snyder, Lisa MSW, LCSW

Living Your Best with Early-Stage Alzheimer's. c2010.

Recent medical advances have made it possible to diagnose Alzheimer's at an early stage when a person may have many years ahead with only mild symptoms. The result is that a growing number of people with early stage Alzheimer's are seeking information about how to take charge of their diagnosis, manage symptoms, and cope effectively with the condition.

"The Alzheimer's Prevention Program" offers strategies to help delay symptoms from emerging. The scientific evidence points to prevention as today's most effective way to defend against Alzheimer's. If we can stave off the onset of dementia long enough for people never to experience symptoms in their in itself could be considered a cure.

Forrest, Ph.D., Deborah A.

Symphony of Spirits: Encounters with the Spiritual Dimensions of Alzheimer's. c2000.

In this provocative first person account, Dr. Deborah A. Forrest shares her experiences caring for seven remarkable patients suffering from and other neurodegenerative diseases. By acknowledging the rich spiritual dimension of these unique patients and illuminating their extraordinary yet often overlooked worth, Dr. Forrest makes a powerful case for the recognition and acceptance of spirituality as a critical element in the day-to-day treatment of elderly demented patients. A compassionate and thoughtful work, "Symphony of Spirits" offers a message of inspiration and hope.